Boulevard Drinks is ending its current run to make room for a massive new 55-story luxury apartment tower and a street-level Whole Foods.
Owner Victor Victoratos confirmed its final day of operation at the current spot will be Nov. 29.
He chose to keep the doors open through Thanksgiving and local homecomings before making the transition.
“Basically, the mom-and-pop stores are gone,” Victoratos told PIX11 News. “It’s gentrification and, unfortunately to say, greed.”
A short trip across the street
The iconic hot dog spot isn’t leaving the neighborhood. Boulevard Drinks is simply migrating across the street to PATH Plaza.
Victoratos has signed the lease for the new location and is waiting on final signatures from the Port Authority.
City officials, including Mayor James Solomon, stepped in to help secure a long-term solution rather than putting the entire redevelopment project at risk.
Solomon noted that the city wanted to build affordable housing while continuing to protect neighborhood landmarks like Boulevard Drinks.
Victoratos had previously maintained that he had no intention of closing down his long-running family business.
What is replacing the landmark spot?
The massive redevelopment plan approved by the Jersey City Planning Board completely transforms the current two-story retail site.
- 840 new apartments will be built in the 55-story tower.
- 84 units are designated as affordable housing.
- A street-level Whole Foods will anchor the base of the development.
While the neighborhood skyline prepares for major changes, locals can rest easy knowing their favorite hot dog spot will remain just steps away from its original home.
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